I haven’t been to a State Fair in… at least 25 years… but THIS is the year I’m coming back. My, albeit fuzzy, memories of it centered around the rides and of course the food. On the menu: all the standards you’ve come to love and expect from a fair (think hot dogs, corn dogs, funnel cakes, strawberry shortcake, kettle corn, elephant ears, cotton candy, BBQ, gyros, giant pretzels, fried Oreos, ) and then some on-no-they-didn’t creations including Chicken and Waffle pizza, Surf N Turf Sundae, Bacon Bomb Sandwich, Doughnut Burgers and Deep Fried Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes.

Speaking of food, find out what The Sunshine State provides and be inspired to start a sustainable garden. Located just outside Gate 3, the Florida State Fair Learning Garden will give guests a “taste” of what it takes to grow your own plants.

I enjoy learning new things and look forward to the interactive displays. Want to see how artisans spin yarn? Caroline Tacker from St. Petersburg will be demonstrating her craft to visitors. Stop by and say hi, and thank her for creating all-natural washcloths for chemo patients who have sensitive skin and cannot use regular washcloths. #KickCancer

My son is excited to ride tons of rides with his ride arm band. He’ll be tilting, whirling, zigging and zagging. (We’d best try the fair food after all that excitement!)

World’s LARGEST WORKING LEGO roller coaster

He’s also going to be glued to the Ninja Experience show. The martial arts experts will wow with their extreme breaking, kicking, and flipping that the whole family will enjoy. There will be three free shows daily at 11:30 am; 3:30 and 6:30 pm (included with ticket price). I know he’ll also go wild over the world’s largest working LEGO roller coaster built by Local Brick Artist James Burrows from The Brick University in Spring Hill.

There are so many things to do and see. Too many to list on this page without writing for hours! Visit the Florida State Fair Facebook page or their website to hear about performances and more. There’s a TON to do. Follow Florida State Fair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the lowdown on all things Florida State Fair!.

Mooove on over to the Salute to Ag Exhibit. Visit beef cows, dairy cows, chickens and a variety of other animals. Maybe you’ll be able to bottle feed a baby calf, hold a baby chick, or watch a calf being born in the Moo-ternity Ward!

While we’re talking social, visit my Instagram post and comment on my State Fair post for a chance to win 4 tickets! Hurry! One random poster will be selected at random to win Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.

Want more chances to win tickets? And love pizza? Check out the Hungry Howie’s pizza eating contest. While there’s no way I’d win THAT one, it’s going to be fun to watch. One lucky winner will receive pizza for a year!

I was given 8 admission tickets to the Florida State Fair in exchange for this post. All comments, opinions, and little-girl excitement are mine.

Don’t miss Kazual’s smooth a capella harmonies on the Sleep Number Stage with FREE shows daily at noon, 2 PM and 5 PM.